Jeremiah 42:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people make a solemn oath to obey whatever God commands through Jeremiah.
The Context of Jeremiah 42:5
The people swear a binding oath to obey whatever God commands.
What Does Jeremiah 42:5 Mean?
The people invoke God as witness to their covenant. This is not a casual promise but a binding oath sealed by God's presence. By calling God 'a true and faithful witness,' they appeal to His nature as one who sees all and judges faithfully. They swear to obey 'all things' that God will 'send' through Jeremiah—that is, God's complete word, without exception or negotiation.
This oath represents the people's stated commitment to obedience. They are not asking for guidance with the freedom to reject it; they are binding themselves to follow it. The solemnity of this moment is important—it establishes the moral framework for what follows. The reader is meant to see this as a genuine commitment made before God and witnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 42:5
What does Jeremiah 42:5 mean?
The people make a solemn oath to obey whatever God commands through Jeremiah.
What is the context of Jeremiah 42:5?
The people swear a binding oath to obey whatever God commands.